Born in Valence, France, Paul Giraud was known for his bird's eye views of Dallas, Texas, where he had settled in 1887 and went into the real estate business. In 1890, he became involved with the Trinity River Navigation Company, which was an endeavor to promote canals, locks and dams on the Trinity River to increase commercial traffic.

During this period, he was secretary of the Dallas Commercial Club, forerunner of the Chamber of Commerce, and at that time created his bird's-eye view of Dallas, which he circulated in France as a promotional piece for Dallas.

Source: Ron Tyler, "Texas Birds-Eye Views"

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